79 Migrants, Hundreds Missing In Boat Disaster, Off Greece Coast
At least 79 migrants have died and more than 100 have been rescued after their fishing boat sank off Southern Greece.
But survivors have suggested as many as 750 people may have been packed on to the boat, with reports of 100 children in the hold.
Greece says it is one of its biggest ever migrant tragedies, and has declared three days of mourning.
The boat went down about 80 kilometres, south-west of Pylos after 02:04 on Wednesday morning local time, according to the Greek coastguard.
Survivors spoke of as many as 500 to 750 people on board and regional health director.
Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou visited some of those rescued and expressed her sorrow for those who had drowned.
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In February, a boat carrying migrants capsized near Cutro, in the region of Calabria in southern Italy, killing at least 94 people – one of the deadliest incidents recorded.
Greek migration ministry official, Yiorgos Michaelidis said Greece had repeatedly called for a “solid” European Union (EU) migration policy “in order to accept people who are really in need and not just the people who have the money to pay the smugglers”.
“The case is for the EU to provide asylum, help and safety for those who are really in need. It’s not a problem of Greece, Italy or Cyprus… The EU is the one that must conclude on a solid migration policy.”
Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Last month the Greek government came under international criticism over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea.
